Alzheimer's Foundation of America

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) is an American nonprofit organization based in New York City whose mission is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure.[1] AFA unites more than 2,800 member organizations from coast-to-coast that are dedicated to meeting the educational, social, emotional and practical needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related illnesses, and their caregivers and families. Member organizations include grassroots Alzheimer's agencies, senior centers, adult daycare center, home healthcare agencies, long-term care residences, research facilities, and other dementia-related groups. AFA holds Charity Navigator's highest rating of 4 stars.[2]

Alzheimer's Foundation of America
MottoCaring for the Nation… One Person at a Time.
Founded2002 (2002)
Coordinates40.753685°N 73.999164°W / 40.753685; -73.999164
Area served
United States
Key people
Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. (CEO)
Websitewww.alzfdn.org

Disease background

Experts believe that an estimated 5.5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease.[3] The number of people with Alzheimer's disease doubles for every 5-year interval beyond age 65.[4][5] The Centers for Disease Control issued a report in 2017 showing that Alzheimer's-related deaths increased by 54.5% between 1999 and 2014.[3]

Unless the disease can be effectively treated or prevented, the number of Americans with Alzheimer's disease will increase significantly; projections are that as many as 13.8 million Americans ages 65 and over will be affected by the year 2050.[3] On January 4, 2011, President Barack Obama signed into law the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA), requiring the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish the National Alzheimer's Project to, in part, create and maintain an integrated national plan to overcome Alzheimer's disease; and accelerate the development of treatments that would prevent, halt or reverse the course of Alzheimer's disease. In May 2012, HHS released its historic “National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease.”[6]

Leadership

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America was founded by Eric J. Hall and Bert Brodsky. Mr. Hall visioned the start up and established the coordination of member organizations from coast to coast. Mr. Hall led the organization to its current pinnacle over a 12 year period. The Founding Chairman of the Board is Bert E. Brodsky, Executive Chairman of Sandata Inc., Port Washington, New York. Brodsky founded the organization with Mr. Hall in 2002 after his experiences serving as a caregiver for his mother, who had Alzheimer's disease.[1]

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America's current President & Chief Executive Officer is Charles J. Fuschillo Jr..

Programs and services

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America's core programs/services[7] include:

  • Counseling, information and referrals by licensed clinical social workers via a National Toll-Free Helpline which is open seven days a week[8]
  • National Memory Screening Program, which offers free, confidential memory screenings and educational materials at community sites[9]
  • Care Connection, monthly educational webinars with guest experts for family and professional caregivers
  • Support Groups for families affected by Alzheimer's disease[10]
  • Dementia Care Professionals of America, offering membership, training, qualification and other benefits to healthcare professionals[11]
  • AFA Teens and AFA on Campus, divisions to educate and engage students—providing opportunities to establish local chapters; and participate in annual college scholarship and video competitions[12]
  • The national Educating America Tour which brings information about Alzheimer's-related programs and services to communities across the country.[13]
  • An Education and Resource Center which provides a variety of programs and services to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, family and professional caregivers and the general public[14]

Research

AFA provides grant funding to support research toward a cure and/or better treatment for Alzheimer's disease.[15]

Publications

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America publishes:

  • Alzheimer's Today, a free quarterly magazine for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease or related illnesses[16]
  • An electronic newsletter highlighting relevant news and events related to dementia [17]
  • Booklets, brochures and DVDs on care-related topics, such as medication management, communication tips, successful aging, preventing wandering, and driving.

Collaborations

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is a co-convenor of Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD),[18] and contributes content to HealthCentral.com, Inspire.com, and ShareCare.com.

References
  1. "Mission & History". 4 April 2017.
  2. "Charity Report - Alzheimer's Foundation of America - give.org". www.give.org.
  3. Taylor, Christopher A. (1 June 2019). "Deaths from Alzheimer's Disease — United States, 1999–2014". MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 66. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6620a1. PMC 5657871 – via www.cdc.gov.
  4. "Basics of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia". National Institute on Aging.
  5. 10 Things You Should Know, PBS Newshour, May 29, 2013
  6. "National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease". ASPE. 23 November 2015.
  7. "Alzheimer's Foundation of America's core programs and services". Archived from the original on 2014-02-22. Retrieved 2014-02-07.
  8. "Alzheimer's Foundation of America | Caregiving Resources". Alzfdn.org. 2017-03-30. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
  9. "Alzheimer's Foundation of America | Memory Screening". Alzfdn.org. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
  10. "Alzheimer's Foundation of America |". Alzfdn.org. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
  11. Dementia Care Professionals of America
  12. "AFA Teens and AFA on Campus". Archived from the original on 2013-12-28. Retrieved 2014-02-07.
  13. Sisson, Paul (February 12, 2018). "Alzheimer's educational tour to kick off in San Diego on Feb. 20". San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  14. "Alzheimer's Foundation of America | Education and Resource Center". Alzfdn.org. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
  15. "Our Research Projects". 10 January 2018.
  16. "Alzheimer's Foundation of America | Alzheimer's TODAY Magazine". Alzfdn.org. Retrieved 2019-06-01.
  17. "E-Newsletter". 4 April 2017.
  18. "Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease (LEAD Coalition)". Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer's Disease. 24 November 2017.
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